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The interesting and decorative silk- work pictures know as
Stevengraphs were first introduced to the public as a gimmick at the York Exhibition
which was opened on 7 May 1879 and continued until 31 October. Over the next three decades, Stevengraphs depicting 188 |
different themes were produced. Around World War I, silk pictures went out of style, but the works in
Coventry continued producing a few Stevengraphs until the time of
World War II. The range of Steven's subjects was broad. Portraits of
English and German royalty were made along with depictions of politicians,
boxers and jockeys. Historical subjects, coaches, trains and battleships
were favorites, as were hunting, tennis and cricket scenes. The rarity and
condition of a Stevengraph determine its value - and the cardboard mount
is important. Information on the back of the mount can help the collector
determine the date of a Stevengraph. On labels affixed to the backs,
Stevens placed the titles of other Stevengraphs that were available.